Nixon touts funds for worker retraining at TRCC

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo.--Gov. Jay Nixon joked about how he knew he could not come empty handed, upon returning to Three Rivers Community College on Monday to unveil that the state's two-year institutions will receive $12 million.

The governor announced that the "Training for Tomorrow" initiative will enhance existing high-tech programs in high-demand fields such as health care, so Missourians can get back to work quickly.

"Even in these challenging times, we face a critical need for registered nurses, nursing aides, pharmacy technicians, veterinary techs and other trained workers," said Nixon before a small group of community leaders and Three Rivers employees and students. "These are jobs that require more than just a high school diploma but not a longer, more expensive four-year degree."

The release of the federal funds designated to assist economic recovery efforts come as a response to Nixon's tour in October identifying immediate needs at two-year institutions.

When Nixon first visited Three Rivers, he participated in a roundtable discussion with area health care officials. They said students looking to enroll in the licensed practical nurse bridge program were being turned away due to a limitation of sites to complete the clinical portion of the degree. Meanwhile there is a statewide nursing shortage that is affecting Poplar Bluff hospitals.

Through the competitive grant program administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Three Rivers will apply to establish a patient simulation laboratory that nursing students would be able to use for clinicals, said to Dr. Devin Stephenson, Three Rivers president. The equipment could also supplement the community college's allied health program that includes concentrations in emergency medical services and medical laboratory and surgical technology.

"I think at this point in time, we're not looking to widen minds, but to give students the skills they need to be competitive in the job market now," Stephenson said. "As we lean forward, health science is going to be one of the keys for the growth of this institution."

Today a representative from Laerdal, the company that creates simulated patients to provide hands-on training, will look at the nursing and allied health building at Three Rivers and discuss setting up a simulation lab for the grant proposal, according to Kim Shackleford, chair of health and human services. The ultimate goal, she said, will be to move the classroom into its own facility, instead of sharing space with Rutland Library.

"We're very excited that the governor is making this investment so we might be able to provide more workers continuing education," said Shackleford, also the director of the nursing program at Three Rivers. "We're simply running out of room."

Mike Burcham, chief financial officer of Poplar Bluff Medical Partners, told Nixon during his original visit that the number of hospital beds needs to increase dramatically in the next five years with the aging population of baby boomers.

After yesterday's announcement, Burcham said the "Training for Tomorrow" initiative was a good first step.

"We need to focus on retraining and retention so we're not losing jobs to bigger cities," he said. "The governor seems to be very responsive to the needs of rural Missouri, and I think this is an incredible opportunity, especially for the college."

Earlier in the day, Nixon made the same announcement at Crowder College in Neosho, about 250 miles west of Poplar Bluff. The deadline to apply for the funding is Feb. 15. For more information, visit www. mo.gov.